Osama bin Laden
Posted by Troy | Filed under Culture, News
Illustration by Troy DeShano
“Osama’s parents divorced soon after he was born; Osama’s mother then married Mohammed al-Attas. The couple had four children, and Osama lived in the new household with three half-brothers and one half-sister.”
“Mohammed bin Laden (his father) was killed in an airplane crash when his American pilot misjudged a landing.”
“Osama believed that only the restoration of what he believed to be true religion would ‘set things right,’ and that alternatives such as —’..socialism and communism..’—must be opposed.”
“He also called on Americans to ‘reject the immoral acts of fornication (and) homosexuality, intoxicants, gambling, and usury,’”
Tags: current events, Faith, fundamentalism, Islam, politics, strong odors
To Evangelicalism: “You need to get saved!”
Posted by Troy | Filed under Faith, politics
It seems that most the people I know (in real life, not Twitter or Facebook friends) are both evangelicals and Republicans.
So often so, that the lines between the two are typically blurred for the individual (like Health Care reform is somehow an issue of personal and corporate morality and may or may not be a sign of the end times.)
and (this is sad but really true) most evangelicals I know are better versed in The Gospel according to Rush than any of the ones that happen to be about Jesus.
Jesus vs. the Democrats
Posted by Troy | Filed under Culture, Faith, politics
I see it pretty regularly, but on mornings like today it becomes especially hard to bear.
When Scott Brown took over Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat last night, half the nation cheered (and half the nation grimaced).
I have no problem with that.
Tags: Faith, original illustration, politics
Is Capitalism a Sin?
Posted by Troy | Filed under Culture, Film, Traverse City
My sister shared today’s note from Michael Moore.
I like Michael Moore.
- He is a Traverse City neighbor
- He is funny
- He cares enough to say something
- He challenges people
- He respects others who earnestly seek justice (even if they disagree)
Of course the question he raises in the note (and apparently at some point in his newest film) is a provocative one (what else?):
Is Capitalism a sin?
Now at this point, people are already writing their blog post comments in their head (just as he hoped) quick to point out how Mike might be using certain particulars of his faith only when they happen to support his agenda du jour…
But that’s not really what he’s doing at all.
Michael Moore knows that question can’t be answered.
His films are never about black and white, I’m right-you’re wrong…
They are intended to make you doubt… to start asking yourself questions… to consider…
Because without doubt… where would I be?
If I just follow someone or some system… economic, political, religious, relational…
Then I’m merely a cog… a tool being used by that particular system and those that run it.
If I doubt however… If I question the system… If is say “Is this right?” or “Is this wrong?” even if those questions can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” then I’m no longer being used by the system…
Instead of a cog, I’m a compass… or a refining fire… or a strong ingredient that somehow makes the whole thing smell less toxic and more intoxicating…
Salt, perhaps.
P.S. If the trailer doesn’t make you want to see his movie today… you must have some sort of super-power resistance to fantastic and effective advertising… and M.I.A.
Tags: Culture, Film, michael moore, politics
Obama Gives Speech
Posted by Troy | Filed under Culture, Thoughts
I’m really confused.
Why is anyone surprised when Barack Obama delivers a good speech?
The dude is an orator, man… don’t be surprised.
Tags: barack obama, illustration, original illustration, politics
